FSI Paper Examines Effectiveness of Bank Resolution Frameworks

The review shows the variation that exists in the institutional arrangements for bank resolution. While the adoption of the Key Attributes has given authorities an opportunity to review and possibly adjust their bank resolution arrangements, the principles-based nature of these standards regarding the resolution authority leaves scope for jurisdictions to integrate the resolution function within their existing institutional architecture. One of the principal considerations that emerged from discussions with authorities is how to achieve appropriate operational independence for the resolution function while enabling it to benefit from the synergies with the supervisory function. While the potential for conflicts of interest between supervision and resolution is widely recognized, there is a growing perception of the benefits of institutional arrangements that support close cooperation between the two functions. This negotiation between the two principles—operational independence and conflict management, on the one hand, and exploiting synergies on the other—is still ongoing in some authorities as new arrangements evolve and mature.

The review shows that conflicts of interest between resolution and supervisory functions could arise independently of the location of the resolution function. The co-location of the supervisory and resolution functions facilitates coordination and the resolution of conflicts through internal governance arrangements. To date, the bank resolution function in its current form is relatively new, and untested, in many jurisdictions. Therefore, effective practices in this area may still be a work in progress. Resolution authorities have not encountered significant obstacles in resolution planning and, where the arrangements were in place in earlier crises, in the conduct of bank resolution. Complex arrangements, such as hybrid models primarily resulting from historical experience, require greater coordination efforts. Resolution authorities also consider their staffing levels and legal protection as broadly adequate to exercise their functions, with the possibility of scaling-up resources in times of increased pressure.

Related Links

• Notification
• FSI Paper (PDF)
• Executive Summary (PDF)

Keywords: International, Banking, Resolution Planning, Resolution Framework, Key Attributes, Resolution Regime, Reporting, FSI, BIS